Police investigating threats against Premier

Bermuda (CMC):

The Bermuda Police Service yesterday confirmed it is investigating alleged online threats against Premier Ewart Brown, who plans to quit politics in two months' time.

Brown's press secretary Jamahl Simmons asked police to look into comments posted a month ago on an online forum called Bermuda Is Another World.

One of the comments allegedly made reference to firing a 'shot' and Simmons said the remarks suggested "the potential for violence" adding "assassination is no laughing matter".

Simmons said the online messaging board had a history of hateful comments against the ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP).

First course of action

In a statement, the police said it had commenced inquiries into the threat against the Premier.

"The first course of action will be to assess the threat then identify whether or not any criminal offences have occurred."

Three years ago, postal workers reported intercepting a package addressed to the Premier, containing a bullet and a threatening letter, eight days before a general election.

Security was stepped up around Brown but no arrests were ever made.